Financial Challenges in LGBTQIA+ Housing

By Christopher Murray

PUBLISHED June 07
|
6 MINUTE READ

This Pride Month, we're looking at the financial challenges that the LGBTQIA+ community faces, including housing discrimination. We offer tips to help those in the community advocate for themselves and help allies push for stronger protections.

Access to reliable, affordable housing is a constant conversation among many communities in the U.S.—especially since the recent pandemic underscored the importance of having a place to call home. Unfortunately, an alarmingly high rate of individuals throughout the U.S. are subject to housing discrimination and housing insecurity. Among those most affected are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Key Facts: Housing and the LGBTQIA+ Community

To give you a sense of what the rental and housing markets look like for the LGBTQIA+ community, here are a few quick stats:

• LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly youths, are more likely to be unhoused than non-LGBTQIA+ individuals: 28% of LGBTQIA+ youth experience housing instability at some point in their lives.¹
• LGBTQIA+ individuals often face higher housing costs due to factors such as job discrimination and lower rates of homeownership.²
• The LGBTQIA+ community has lower rates of homeownership compared to non-LGBTQIA+ individuals.³
• LGBTQIA+ individuals are less likely to receive mortgage loans, with studies showing that LGBTQIA+ couples are 73% more likely to be denied a mortgage compared to non-LGBTQIA+ couples.⁴

Why Housing Costs Look Different

Many people don't have to think about hiding who they are when they meet a landlord or real estate agent for the first time. And most people don't worry that their legal name and preferred name don't match on apartment applications.

Unfortunately, those in the LGBTQIA+ community must think about these things when seeking housing. Oftentimes, their safety depends on it. The housing market, for both homeowners and renters, still has a long way to go when it comes to equitable standards.

Housing discrimination still exists

Whether renting or buying a home, members of the LGBTQIA+ community still face housing discrimination daily. In fact, landlords as a whole respond less often to same-sex couples than to cishet (meaning you identify with the gender you were assigned at birth, and you choose partners of the opposite sex) couples.²

Discrimination cases don't stop at renters, either. Homeownership rates are lower for LGBTQIA+ adults, with 49.8% of LGBTQIA+ adults owning their homes, compared to 70.1% of cishet adults.²

The homeownership gap grows for specific subcategories under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. A study done by Freddie Mac breaks down the different percentages of LGBTQIA+ individuals who own their own homes, based on race, sexuality and generation.³

LGBTQIA+ Subcategory	% That Own Their Home
Lesbians	52%
Gay men	52%
Bisexuals	48%
Gender-expansive	33%
Millennials	23%
Gen X	56%
Boomers	73%
White	58%
Latinx	35%
Black	30%

Discrimination is a key factor in housing inequality for the LGBTQIA+ community, but it's not the only factor. LGBTQIA+ individuals, on average, tend to earn less than those outside the community, which doesn't help potential LGBTQIA+ homeowners save for house down payments or apartment deposits.

The LGBTQIA+ wage gap contributes to lower homeownership rates

Unfortunately, there are many forms of wage gaps. Women as a whole earn just 82% of what cisgender men make.⁵ People of color also are disproportionately affected by a wage gap their white peers don't face.⁶The LGBTQIA+ community is no exception, with many members of the community noting substantially lower wages.

For the community as a whole, the average LGBTQIA+ worker earns just $0.90 for every $1 made by non-LGBTQIA+ workers, according to a survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign. To break this down even further, let's look at how just gender identity affects wages:⁷

Gender Identity of LGBTQIA+ Workers	LGBTQIA+ Earnings Compared to Non-LGBTQIA+ Earnings
Cis men	$0.96
Cis women	$0.87
Nonbinary, genderqueer, genderfluid and two-spirit	$0.70
Trans men	$0.70
Trans women	$0.60

Gender identity is far from the only factor that affects this wage gap. Latinx, Black and Native Americans who also identify as LGBTQIA+ have a more significant wage gap, as demonstrated in the same Human Rights Campaign study.⁷

Race/Ethnicity of LGBTQIA+ Workers	LGBTQIA+ Earnings Compared to Non-LGBTQIA+ Earnings
Asian/Asian Pacific Islander	$1.00 (the same as non-LGBTQIA+ workers)
White	$0.97
Latinx	$0.90
Black	$0.80
Native American	$0.70

On top of the discrimination that is still inherent in our housing system, this wage gap most of the LGBTQIA+ community faces adds to the difficulty of securing housing. A lower wage means access to an even smaller range of housing options, outside of metro areas that have traditionally been safe havens for the LGBTQIA+ community. All of this combined is, in part, what contributes to higher rates of unhoused LGBTQIA+ individuals.

LGBTQIA+ hubs are considerably more expensive

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community often flock to cities. Rural communities simply aren't as diverse, while many cities tend to provide a more anonymous and accepting environment. But living in a city generally costs more on average than living in a smaller, rural community. So, the large percentage of LGBTQIA+ individuals that live in the city have to account for higher costs, but they have wages that aren't necessarily higher or equitable compared to their peers.

For those who simply can't afford the costs associated with major cities, moving to lower-cost cities or towns is a must. It's the only way to afford housing and costly medical care such as hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries.

At Synchrony, our own employees have firsthand experience with these high costs in urban areas coupled with affording care for LGBTQIA+ family members. With two trans children who needed care, one employee moved from the West Coast to a smaller town in North Carolina where the cost of living is much lower, allowing the family to get the medical care they needed.

Unstable Housing in the LGBTQIA+ Community

LGBTQIA+ people deal with being unhoused at much higher rates than those outside the community. Young LGBTQIA+ individuals have it even worse, with estimates stating that 28% of the LGBTQIA+ youth population experiences housing instability.¹

High unhoused rates among the younger LGBTQIA+ community (and the community as a whole) are due to numerous factors outside their control. Many LGBTQIA+ people don't have families that accept their sexuality or gender identity, and those under 18 years of age sometimes deal with being kicked out of their homes. Once unhoused, LGBTQIA+ youth face additional unique challenges, including a heightened risk of violence and abuse, mental health issues and difficulty accessing healthcare and education.⁸

Because LGBTQIA+ individuals deal with many of the issues we've already mentioned, those who don't have or can't access the support needed to overcome discrimination in housing and employment can end up unhoused.

Tips for Finding Housing

While the U.S. works toward equality and more equitable rental and housing laws for LGBTQIA+ individuals, here are a few tips for those within the community:

Look for LGBTQIA+-friendly neighborhoods: It's no secret that certain neighborhoods are known for being more LGBTQIA+-friendly than others. Cities like New York, San Francisco and Portland (both Maine and Oregon) have many communities filled with LGBTQIA+ individuals.⁹

Carefully review any landlord policies: Before signing a lease, review the landlord's policies on discrimination and harassment. Most landlords will provide a clear, written policy against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Network within the LGBTQIA+ community: Reach out to friends, colleagues or family members in the LGBTQIA+ community to ask for recommendations or referrals. You can also join Facebook groups for LGBTQIA+ housing, which often post regular rental opportunities.

Research state and local laws: Laws regarding discrimination and housing rights vary by state and local jurisdiction. Be sure to research your rights as an LGBTQIA+ individual in your specific area, and know what legal protections you have.

Be honest with potential roommates and landlords: It can be difficult to come out to new people, but being honest about your sexual orientation or gender identity can help ensure that you find a safe and inclusive living situation. That said, if you feel uncomfortable discussing your identity with potential roommates or landlords—don't. It's likely a sign that they're not the right fit for you.

Always report discrimination: Many states have legislation that condemns discrimination. Should you experience discrimination because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, you have every right to report this behavior. Depending on the type of discrimination you've experienced, there are different agencies with which you can file a complaint. For example, if you experience discrimination while applying for a mortgage, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.¹⁰ If you experience discrimination when seeking an apartment, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.¹¹

Housing Resources for LGBTQIA+ Individuals

Despite seemingly slow changes for the legal rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals, there are many resources available that can help anyone in the community find safe, affordable housing.

The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQIA+ youth, but there's also a whole page of resources and referrals for housing assistance on their website.
Lambda Legal: Lambda is a legal advocacy organization that is working to advance the civil rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. While housing isn't their main focus, they will take on most cases that involve any sort of discrimination against an LGBTQIA+ person.
Trans Lifeline: A peer support hotline for transgender and nonbinary individuals, Trans Lifeline provides crisis support, referrals and resources for housing assistance. You can call for assistance at (877) 565-8860.
The Ali Forney Center: The Ali Forney Center is a New York City-based organization that provides housing and support services for unhoused LGBTQIA+ youth. It offers a range of services, including emergency shelter, transitional housing and supportive housing. Additionally, it provides comprehensive services such as mental health care, education training and health services.
Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders (SAGE): SAGE is an organization that provides support and advocacy specifically for older LGBTQIA+ adults. They help older folks find housing and understand their rights as a tenant.
National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE): NCTE is a social justice organization that works to advance the rights of transgender and nonbinary individuals. They work with both federal and state agencies, attempting to end discrimination against trans people and provide housing for unhoused people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP): NAGLREP is a nonprofit organization that advocates for equal housing opportunities for LGBTQIA+ individuals and promotes the careers of LGBTQIA+ real estate professionals. The organization provides networking opportunities, education and resources to its members. NAGLREP also advocates for LGBTQIA+ housing policies at the local, state and national level to promote diversity and inclusion in the real estate industry.
True Colors United: True Colors is working to end homelessness among LGBTQIA+ youth. They provide resources and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing housing insecurity. This comes in the form of community education, advocacy and housing placement for unhoused youth.
LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance: LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance is a nonprofit organization that serves as a resource for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies within the real estate industry. The alliance aims to increase awareness of LGBTQIA+ housing issues, promote homeownership and real estate investment within the LGBTQIA+ community and advance the careers of LGBTQIA+ real estate professionals
National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA): NFHA is a nonprofit that promotes equal housing opportunities for all individuals, including LGBTQIA+ individuals. They offer resources and advocacy for fair housing policies and assist individuals facing housing discrimination.

Saving for a Sustainable Future: Where to Start

Despite our best efforts, none of us can change the legal landscape on our own. That said, you can save for your own future. If you want to purchase your own house someday or finally get a better apartment, your first step is to set the money aside to do so. With a Synchrony High Yield Savings Account, you can start building your nest egg and earning interest on your deposits.

Christopher Murray is a professional personal finance, sustainability and LGBTQIA+-focused writer who enjoys writing about everything from budgeting to unique investing options to how sustainability is the best savings tool around. He also writes extensively on finance and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community. You can find his work on sites like Bankrate, MoneyCrashers, FinanceBuzz, Investor Junkie and Time. Learn more about Christopher via LinkedIn.

Sources

1. Homelessness and Housing Instability Among LGBTQ Youth. The Trevor Project. Published February 3, 2022.

2. Romero, A.P., Goldberg, S.K. & Vasquez, L.A. LGBT People and Housing Affordability, Discrimination, and Homelessness. The Williams Institute. Published April 2020.

3. LGBT Homeownership Rates Lag Behind General Population. Freddie Mac. Published October 1, 2018.

4. Lower approval rates, higher finance fees evidence of discrimination for same-sex borrowers. Iowa State University. Published April 16, 2019.

5. Aragão, C. Gender pay gap in U.S. hasn't changed much in two decades. Pew Research Center. Published March 1, 2023.

6. Wilson, V. and Darity Jr, W. Understanding black-white disparities in labor market outcomes requires models that account for persistent discrimination and unequal bargaining power. Economic Policy Institute. Published March 25, 2022.

7. The Wage Gap Among LGBTQ+ Workers in the United States. Human Rights Campaign.

8. Keuroghlian, A.S., Shtasel, D. and Bassuk, E.L.Out on the Street: A Public Health and Policy Agenda for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth Who Are Homeless. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. Published 2014.

9. Conron, K.J., Luhur, W. and Goldberg, S.K. LGBT Adults in Large US Metropolitan Areas. The Williams Institute. Published March 2021.

10. Mortgage Discrimination. Federal Trade Commission. Updated November 30, 2022.

11. File a Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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